FAQs

What is the history and purpose of Be Ready Camp?

The Be Ready Camp was established by the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (GFBCI) and the Alabama Department of Homeland Security (ADHS), in conjunction with the Madison County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the United States Space and Rocket Center (USSRC) to teach 6th graders about disaster preparedness and response.  The first Be Ready Camp was conducted using 6th graders from four schools in Madison County in September 2006 at the USSRC in Huntsville, Alabama.  
The campers learned about topics that ranged from fire safety to light search and rescue.  Be Ready Camp culminated the last evening with a mock disaster, where the campers worked side by side with first responders to respond to a simulated plane crash.    Using the skills that they learned during the week, such as medical triage and light search and rescue, they were able to triage and prioritize disaster victims and were able to move them out of harm’s way.  In addition, the campers were also able to plan out their response by working together as a team by efficiently delegating tasks to the suitable person and maintaining strong communication with each other.  The campers graduated  on Be Ready Day, Thursday, September 14, 2006, where Governor Bob Riley commended them for their efforts during Be Ready Camp, while encouraging them to take the preparedness message back to their schools and families.

How long is Be Ready Camp?

Each camp is 5 days and 4 nights, starting on Tuesday and ending on Saturday.  Registration is held the first day of camp between 11:00 am and 1:30 pm.  Delegates should eat lunch before arriving at camp.  A graduation ceremony will be held on Saturday at 9:30 am.  Family are encouraged to attend the graduation ceremony.

What should the Youth Preparedness Delegates wear to Be Ready Camp?

It is best for the participants to dress as comfortably as possible during the days they are at camp.  This typically means shorts or jeans, tee-shirts, and comfortable tennis shoes.  Please bring jeans and close toed shoes to wear on Friday, the day of the mock disaster.  For Saturday’s graduation ceremony, campers can wear jeans or shorts and their Be Ready Camp t-shirt, which will be provided.

What do they need to bring with them?

Campers need to bring essential overnight items with them, such as hygiene items, towels, and washcloths.  Bed sheets, blankets, pillows, and pillowcases are all provided by the Space and Rocket Center.  They will need to bring clothes to sleep in, in addition to their day clothing.  Do not bring anything of high value to the camp; cell phones, DVD/CD players, MP3 players etc. are not permitted.  The children are also required to supply their own lock. 

How will they be housed?

The children will be staying at the Space and Rocket Center’s Space Habitat in individual rooms of up to seven persons or bays of 20-40 beds.  These rooms will be separated by gender, with counselors of the same gender staying with the campers. Restrooms with access to sinks, private shower stalls and private toilets will be located in the Space Habitat and around the entire complex. 

How much food will the campers receive?

The Space and Rocket Center will provide the campers with breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday.  Snacks and drinks outside of meals are available throughout the complex for purchase.  Parents and/or Guardians who wish to give their child money for snacks are welcomed to do so. 

What if my child has a dietary restriction (i.e. Diabetes, etc)?

The Space and Rocket Center is happy to work with parents on ensuring the child’s dietary restrictions are taken care of, as long as they have a 4-week prior notification of the child’s needs.  If the child needs to bring their own food due to dietary needs (children are not allowed to bring their own food except for this case), the Space and Rocket Center requires them to contact the Food Service Department at least 2 weeks prior to the start of camp. 

To contact the Food Service Department, call (256)-721-7139, or email at specialdiets@spacecamp.com

Who will be taking care of my children for the time they are at Camp?

The Space and Rocket Center employs only the best qualified and trained counselors to work at the Camps.  Before they are hired, potential counselors are required to pass a very comprehensive background check and drug screening.  While most counselors are education majors, many others have degrees in business, science, liberal arts, and engineering.  The Space and Rocket Center thoroughly trains the counselors in dealing with discipline techniques, behavior characteristics in children, and operation safety.  Parents will have a chance to meet the counselors both at registration and graduation. 
There is also a medical staff on hand 24-hours a day for all medical purposes, from dispensing medications to emergency situations.

What if my child takes medications?

Children should bring their medications with them to camp and give them over during registration to the medical staff.  Medications need to be in their original containers with clearly visible instructions, either from the parent or the prescribing physician.  If the child takes medication that needs injections (i.e. insulin injections), the syringes to the injections must be provided with signed, legible instructions from the Physician. 

All inquiries may be directed to the Nursing Staff at (256)-721-7162.

How much will this camp cost me?

Be Ready Camp is provided at no cost to participants, through funding from various of sponsors.  Parents are responsible for their child’s transportation to and from the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, and any money for snacks and soft drinks the campers will need.

How will I be able to contact my children while at camp?

Since cell phones are not permitted, the Space and Rocket Center has pay phones for the children to use while at camp. To contact your children in case of emergency, call 800-63-SPACE (77223) ext. 185 – Camper Services or call Security at (256)-721-7198.